GB2371828A

GB2371828A - Blind

Info

Publication number: GB2371828A
Application number: GB0200917A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Owens; Graeme Jesse Harrison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-16
Filing date: 2002-01-16
Publication date: 2002-08-07
Also published as: GB0101109D0; GB0200917D0

Abstract

A blind comprises laths 15 mounted in a framework and pivotable between open and closed positions. The blind comprises locking means to releasably secure the laths 15 in a desired position. The laths may be interconnected by steel wires 4. The locking means may comprise a spindle 1 at the end of each lath 15 and a capture component 10, the spindle 1 and capture component 10 have co-operating formations which prevent rotation of the laths 15 when they are engaged. The framework may comprise a guide rail 9 which carries the capture component 10.

Description

Title : A Blind DESCRIPTION This invention concerns a lockable blind.

In order to prevent light from entering a room, through a window in that room, or to prevent the inside of a room from being visible from the outside, it is known to have a covering in some form, at the window. These coverings can take various forms, for example, fabric curtains and vertical blinds made from, for example, thin aluminium, or alternatively, horizontal blinds, which may be opened and closed as required. In general, these coverings are mounted adjacent the glass of the window, and are accessible from the interior of the room.

However, in the case of windows, which are at least double glazed, it is known to provide horizontal blinds in particular, which are encased between the two leaves of glass. This is particularly popular in side offices, which have windows looking out onto, for example, the main office floor. Such horizontal blinds may be opened and closed by way of using, for example, a turnable knob, which may be accessed from the interior of the office. The advantages associated with this configuration of horizontal blinds as opposed to blinds, which are exposed to the interior of a room, are that they are not susceptible to attracting and catching dust particles, and so are cleaner and therefore more convenient. However, window coverings of this kind do not in general provide any means of security protection, in that they do not prevent access from being gained to the room if the window is broken, any intruder being able to simply lift or tilt the blinds in order to climb through the window.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a blind, which can also act as a security measure.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a blind, comprising laths mounted in a framework and pivotable between open and closed positions, the blind further comprising locking means for releasably securing the laths in a desired position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the laths are made from a relatively rigid material, such as aluminium, more preferably extruded aluminium.

Preferably, the laths are inter-connected such that they are configured horizontally, with their longest axes running parallel to each other. Preferably, the laths are inter-connected by way of wires, which are preferably made from a material with a relatively high tensile strength, such as steel, although any suitable material may be used.

More preferably, the laths are of a biconvex shape in cross-section, or alternatively, they may be arcuate in cross section. It is preferable that, when the laths are in the closed position, each one is tilted at five degrees to the vertical.

Preferably, the laths may also be made from a high tensile bar with a clip over UPVC fascia. In this way, different fascias may be used, according to what the user requires at the time; for example, having different decorative features.

Preferably, the locking means of each lath comprises a spindle at each end of the lath, each of which is configured to run substantially parallel with the horizontal axis of the lath, and a movable capture component, whereby the spindle and the capture component have co-operating formations thereon, which prevent rotation of the laths when the co-operating formations are engaged.

Further, it is preferred that a wire connection component is nonrotatably mounted on each spindle, the wire connection component comprising a mounting part, which is mounted on the spindle, and two wings extending from either side of the mounting part. It is preferable that the wire connection component is made from pressed steel. Preferably, the mounting part comprises a hollow tube, which fits over the spindle. However, alternatively, the mounting part could comprise a semi-circular in crosssection piece, which is rotatably mounted on the spindle, with the wings extending from either side thereof.

It is preferred that there is at least a hole passing through the mounting part of the wire connection component of each of the laths, through which the wire passes, and more preferably still, at least a hole in each of the wings of the wire connection component, through which wires pass, whereby the wires through the wings of the wire connection component in each of the laths are pulled by a user in order to tilt the blinds, and the wire through the mounting part of the wire connection component is pulled by a user in order to pull the blinds up or down. However, alternatively, the wire may be guided around the mounting part, as opposed to passing straight through the mounting part and spindle. This is an option which may be chosen if a hole drilled through the spindle would result in it becoming weakened.

More preferably still, at or near the end of the spindle is located a cog, whereby the cog may be engaged in the capture component, thereby preventing movement, either in a rotational manner, or in an up and down motion, of the laths of the blind. More preferably still, the cog comprises a ratchet wheel, having teeth, which locate in the capture component.

Alternatively, the cog may be of a square section. Preferably, the wire connection component is located at a position on the spindle between the cog and the end of the lath.

It is preferable that the capture component of the invention is Ushaped in cross-section and extends vertically down substantially the full length of the blind. It is further preferable that the capture component has a locking strip therein, which extends down the length of the capture component, and which has a number of cog engaging formations at intervals along its length. Preferably, these comprise notches shaped to allow the teeth of the cog to be releasably held therein. It is preferable that the capture component of the invention further comprises engagement notches along at least one side of its length, at locations corresponding to those areas where there are notches in the locking strip to engage the teeth of the cog, whereby the engagement notches may engage the part of the spindle between the cog and the wire connection component, to enable the teeth of the cog to be close enough to the locking strip to engage in the cog notches of the locking strip. In the case where the cog is of square section, however, it is preferred that no cog notches are present in the locking strip, and the engagement notches are deeper than if a ratchet wheel, having teeth, is used. In this embodiment, the laths would lock only in positions ninety degrees apart.

Preferably, the capture component of the invention has a handle thereon, whereby in order to engage the cog in the capture component, the handle is pushed in by a user, which engages the spindle with the engagement notches, thereby engaging the teeth of the cog with the cog notches of the locking strip, and preventing rotation or movement in an upwards or downwards direction of the laths.

Preferably, the framework of the invention further comprises a guide rail extending vertically down substantially the full length of the blind. Further, it is preferred that the guide rail comprises two members, extending vertically down the length of the blind, and towards the inside of the guide rail, whereby the capture component, when engaged with the cog, slots in between the first member and a wall of the guide rail, such that the first member prevents the spindle from disassociating from the engagement notch when the handle has been pushed in to engage the teeth of the cog with the notches on the locking strip. More preferably still, the second member of the guide rail is located between the end of the lath and the wire connection component, and serves to reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction, the second member abutting a first tubular section which is mounted on the spindle between the end of the lath and the wire connection component. It is preferable that a second tubular section is mounted on the spindle between the first tubular section and the end of the lath, whereby the second tubular section abuts against the second member to further reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction. More preferably still, a third tubular section is mounted on the spindle, whereby the third tubular section abuts against the first member to further reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction. Preferably, the first tubular section has an outside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the spindle.

It is preferred that the locking means further comprises a securing means on the capture component, and an adjustable securing means engaging member attached to the guide rail, which is adjustable from the outside of the guide rail and which may be adjusted to engage with the securing means only when the handle is pushed in, in order to lock the capture component in place. It is preferable that the securing means comprises a capture button, and that the securing means engaging member comprises a hook attached to the guide rail, which may be hooked over the capture button only when the handle is pushed in to engage the cog with the capture means. Thus, the handle is prevented from being pulled out until the hook is disengaged from the capture button. Preferably, the hook is engaged or disengaged with the capture button as required by means of a screw head, which is accessible from the outside of the guide rail, whereby the screw head is turned in order to twist the hook to engage or disengage the hook with the capture button as required.

Alternatively, the locking means further comprises a first securing component on the handle of the blind, and a co-operating securing component on the guide rail. For example, it is preferred that the handle of the blind has a raised nodule thereon, with the guide rail having a notch in the aperture through which the handle passes. Further, it is preferred that in order to lock the blind, the handle is pushed into the guide rail in such a way as to allow the raised nodule to pass through the notch in the aperture. Then the handle is turned, in order to prevent the handle from being pulled out, unless it is rotated to allow the raised nodule to clear the aperture. However, any other suitable form of locking may be used.

Preferably, the guide rail has at least one hole, but preferably two holes spaced apart, through a wall thereof, through which the handle, accessible from the outside of the framework, and connected to the capture component, passes, to enable a user to operate the lock on the blinds.

It is preferred that the lockable blind may be supplied to the user as a complete unit in situ with the window frame unit. Alternatively, the lockable blind could be supplied on its own, to be fitted into an existing cavity in a double glazed unit, or fitted onto the window aperture or jamb.

As an alternative to the blind being locked manually by a user, the blind may be locked by electrical means. Preferably, the lockable blind further comprises an integral alarm system.

It is preferable that the laths have a removable clip-over fascia, whereby the colour of the laths may be changed as required.

Preferably, the lockable blind has at least one corner unit, but more preferably two, located at the bottom corners of the blind, whereby a corner unit is placed at each bottom corner of the lockable blind over the guide rail in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish to the blind, the corner unit comprising formations, which co-operate with the formations on the bottom of the guide rail, to releasably hold the corner unit on the guide rail.

Preferably, the blind also has a hollow bottom rail, which is preferably made from aluminium, and which is attached to the guide rail. More preferably still, the blind further includes a lockable bottom plate, which is attachable to the bottom rail, and which is screwable to a fixed surface. It is preferred that the means of attachment of the bottom rail to the lockable bottom plate is a slot on the lockable bottom plate, with which a pivotable notched member may co-operate. However, any suitable form of locking may be used.

It is preferred that the blind further includes at least one, but more preferably two, wire guides, whereby a wire guide slots into each end of the hollow bottom rail. More preferably still, the wire guide comprises at least one hole through which the wires of the blind passes, to enable a user to access the wires in order to adjust the laths of the blind as required.

The present invention will now be described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 is a perspective view of some of the components making up the locking means of the blind, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 1a is a perspective view of some of the components making up the blind, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of components making up the blind, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of components making up the blind, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3a is a perspective view of components making up the blind, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of components making up the blind, with the blind in the locked configuration, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of components making up the blind, with the blind in the unlocked configuration, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5a is a side view of a capture component, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5b is a front view of a capture component, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is an exploded view of components making up the blind, in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 6a shows a corner unit, in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 6b is a perspective view of components making up the blind, in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, a guide rail 9 comprises a first member 13 and a second member 14. The members 13 and 14 extend vertically down substantially the full length of the blind. A spindle 1, mounted in a lath 15, has mounted thereon tubular parts 8,2 and 6 for stabilisation purposes, whereby the first tubular part 8 locates between a wire connection component 3, also mounted on the spindle, and the second member 14. The second tubular part 2 locates between the second member 14 and the end of the lath 15, again, providing a stabilising effect on the laths 15. The third tubular part 6 locates between the first member 13 and the wire connection component 3, again for stabilisation purposes. The wire connection component 3 comprises a hollow mounting part 17 and two wing members 16 extending from either side of the hollow mounting part 17. A dropper wire 18 passes through the hollow mounting part 17 of the wire connection component 3, whereby if the blind is to be lifted or lowered, then the dropper wire is pulled by a user. Directional wires 4 pass through the wing members 16 of the wire connection component 3, whereby if the laths 15 of the blind are to be tilted, then the directional wires 4 are pulled accordingly.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the spindle 1 has at its extreme end a cog 7, having teeth 19. A capture component 10 comprises a locking strip 12, which has a number of cog notches 32, as can be seen from Figure 5b in particular. The capture component 10 also comprises a number of engagement notches 31 along its length, as can be seen from Figure 5a in particular, whereby in order to lock the blind, the capture component 10 is pushed forward (see arrows on Figure 2), thereby urging the spindle 1 into the engagement notch 31, and accordingly allowing the teeth 19 of the cog 7 to engage with the cog notches 32 of the locking strip 12. This prevents rotation of the lath 15, thereby locking the laths in the desired position.

Alternatively, the cog 99 is of square section, as shown in Figure 1 a. In this embodiment, the laths may be locked only in positions ninety degrees apart, and no cog notches are required. The engagement notches 31 prevent upwards and downwards movement of the laths 15 when the capture component 10 is engaged with the spindle 1.

As can be seen from Figure 3 in particular, a handle 20 is mounted on the guide rail 9 of the blind, whereby in order to lock the laths 15 in position, i. e. engage the capture component 10 with the spindle 1, the handle 20 is pushed inwards by a user. Figure 3 also shows a further means of securing the laths 15 in place, in the form of a capture button 23 mounted on the capture component 10 of the invention, and an engaging member in the form of a pivotable hook 22 attached to the inside of the guide rail 9. When the handle 20 is pushed in by a user, to engage the spindle 1 with the capture component 10, then the hook 22 may be turned to engage the capture button 23. Only when the capture component 10 is in the locked position can the hook 22 engage the capture button 23, thereby acting as a further means of securing the laths 15 in position. In order to engage the hook 22 with the capture button 23, a screw 21 is turned by a user, thereby turning the hook 22 to the desired position.

With reference to Figure 3a in particular, a handle 100 has a raised nodule 101 thereon, and a guide rail 9 has a notch 103 in the aperture 104, whereby the handle 100 is turned to allow the nodule 101 to pass through the aperture 104, thereby allowing the handle 100 to be pushed in and held in position, thereby engaging the spindle 1 with the capture component 10, and securing the laths in position.

With reference to Figure 6a of the accompanying drawings, a corner unit 24 is shown, which slots onto the bottom of the guide rail 9, in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish to the blind.

As can be seen from figure 6, a hollow bottom rail 25 has a pivotable notched member 26 attached thereto, which locates in a horizontal slot 27 on a lockable bottom plate 28. The lockable bottom plate 28 may be attached to a fixed surface (not shown), whereby to lock the blind in place, the notched member 26 is hooked over the edges of the slot 27 in the bottom plate 28.

Slotted into each end of the hollow bottom rail 25 is a wire guide 29, through which the wire18 passes, the wire guide 29 having a hole 30 therethrough. This enables the wire 18 to be easily accessible to the user, in order to enable him or her to adjust the blind as required.

As can be seen from Figure 6b, the guide rail 9 locates in the corner unit 24, which locates with the lockable bottom plate 28, which is then attached to the hollow bottom rail 25.

In order to operate the blind, a user pulls on the relevant wires to produce either a tilting motion of the laths 15 or, alternatively, an up and down movement of the laths 15, whichever is required.

In order to lock the blind, the user operates the handle 20, thereby engaging the spindle 1 in the nearest engagement notch 31, and then engages the hook 22 with the capture button 23, or alternatively, the raised nodule 101 of the handle 100 with the notch 103 in the aperture 104 of the guide rail. Finally, the hollow bottom rail 25 is attached to the bottom plate 28 by way of pivoting the notched member 26 so that it co-operates with the slot 27 on the lockable bottom plate 28, which is attached to a fixed surface.

In this way, the blind has three means of locking, and provides a security measure which, in the opinion of the applicant, is more aesthetically pleasing, cheaper, and less conspicuous than, say, a roller shutter.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A blind comprising laths mounted in a framework and pivotable between open and closed positions, the blind further comprising locking means for releasably securing the laths in a desired position.
2. A blind as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laths are made from a relatively rigid material.
3. A blind as claimed in claim 2, wherein the laths are made of aluminium.
4. A blind as claimed in claim 3, wherein the laths are made of extruded aluminium.
5. A blind as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the laths are made from a high tensile bar with a clip over UPVC fascia.
6. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the laths are inter-connected such that they are configured horizontally, with their longest axes running parallel to each other.
7. A blind as claimed in claim 6, wherein the laths are inter-connected by way of wires.
8. A blind as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wires are made from a material with a relatively high tensile strength.
9. A blind as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wires are made of steel.
10. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the laths are of a biconvex shape in cross-section.
11. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blinds are arcuate in cross section.
12. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the laths are in the closed position, each one is tilted at five degrees to the vertical.
13. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the locking means of each lath comprises a spindle at each end of the lath, each of which is configured to run substantially parallel with the horizontal axis of the lath, and a movable capture component, whereby the spindle and the capture component have co-operating formations thereon, which prevent rotation of the laths when the co-operating formations are engaged.
14. A blind as claimed in claim 13, wherein a wire connection component is non-rotatably mounted on each spindle, the wire connection component comprising a mounting part, which is mounted on the spindle, and two wings extending from either side of the mounting part.
15. A blind as claimed in claim 14, wherein the wire connection component is made from pressed steel.
16. A blind as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the mounting part comprises a hollow tube, which fits over the spindle.
17. A blind as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the mounting part comprises, in cross-section, a semi-circular piece, which is rotatably mounted on the spindle, with the wings extending from either side thereof.
18. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein there is at least a hole passing through the mounting part of the wire connection component of each of the laths, through which the wire passes.
19. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein there is at least a hole in each of the wings of the wire connection component, through which wires pass.
20. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the wire is guided around the mounting part.
21. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein at or near the end of the spindle is located a cog, whereby the cog may be engaged in the capture component, thereby preventing movement, either in a rotational manner, or in an up and down motion, of the laths of the blind.
22. A blind as claimed in claim 21, wherein the cog comprises a ratchet wheel, having teeth, which locate in the capture component.
23. A blind as claimed in claim 21, wherein the cog is of square section.
24. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the wire connection component is located at a position on the spindle between the cog and the end of the lath.
25. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the capture component is U-shaped in cross-section and extends vertically down substantially the full length of the blind.
26. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the capture component has a locking strip therein, which extends down the length of the capture component, and which has a number of cog engaging formations at intervals along its length.
27. A blind as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cog engaging formations comprise notches shaped to allow the teeth of the cog to be releasably held therein.
28. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 27, wherein the capture component further comprises engagement notches along at least one side of its length, at locations corresponding to those areas where there are notches in the locking strip to engage the teeth of the cog, whereby the engagement notches engage the part of the spindle between the cog and the wire connection component, to enable the teeth of the cog to be close enough to the locking strip to engage in the cog notches of the locking strip
29. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 28, wherein the capture component of the invention has a handle thereon, whereby in order to engage the cog in the capture component, the handle is pushed in by a user, which engages the spindle with the engagement notches, thereby engaging the teeth of the cog with the cog notches of the locking strip, and preventing rotation or movement in an upwards or downwards direction of the laths.
30. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the framework further comprises a guide rail extending vertically down substantially the full length of the blind.
31. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the guide rail comprises two members, extending vertically down the length of the blind, and towards the inside of the guide rail, whereby the capture component, when engaged with the cog, slots in between the first member and a wall of the guide rail, such that the first member prevents the spindle from disassociating from the engagement notch when the handle has been pushed in to engage the teeth of the cog with the notches on the locking strip.
32. A blind as claimed in claim 31, wherein the second member of the guide rail is located between the end of the lath and the wire connection component, and serves to reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction, the second member abutting a first tubular section which is mounted on the spindle between the end of the lath and the wire connection component.
33. A blind as claimed in claim 32, wherein a second tubular section is mounted on the spindle between the first tubular section and the end of the lath, whereby the second tubular section abuts against the second member to further reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction.
34. A blind as claimed in claim 33, wherein a third tubular section is mounted on the spindle, whereby the third tubular section abuts against the first member to further reduce any undesired movement of the lath in a horizontal direction.
35. A blind as claimed in claim 32,33 or 34, wherein the first tubular section has an outside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the spindle.
36. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the locking means further comprises a securing means on the capture component, and an adjustable securing means engaging member attached to the guide rail, which is adjustable from the outside of the guide rail and which may be adjusted to engage with the securing means only when the handle is pushed in, in order to lock the capture component in place.
37. A blind as claimed in claim 36, wherein the securing means comprises a capture button, and the securing means engaging member comprises a hook attached to the guide rail, which may be hooked over the capture button only when the handle is pushed in to engage the cog with the capture means.
38. A blind as claimed in claim 37, wherein the hook is engaged or disengaged with the capture button as required by means of a screw head, which is accessible from the outside of the guide rail, whereby the screw head is turned in order to twist the hook to engage or disengage the hook with the capture button as required.
39. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the locking means further comprises a first securing component on the handle of the blind, and a co-operating securing component on the guide rail.
40. A blind as claimed in claim 39, wherein the handle of the blind has a raised nodule thereon, with the guide rail having a notch in the aperture through which the handle passes.
41. A blind as claimed in claim 40, wherein, in order to lock the blind, the handle is pushed into the guide rail in such a way as to allow the raised nodule to pass through the notch in the aperture.
42. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein, the guide rail has at least one hole, through a wall thereof, through which the handle, accessible from the outside of the framework, and connected to the capture component, passes, to enable a user to operate the lock on the blinds.
43. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 42 having electrical locking means.
44. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 43 further comprising an integral alarm system.
45. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein then laths have removable clip-over fascias.
46. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45 having corner units located at the bottom corners of the blind, whereby a corner unit is placed at each bottom corner of the lockable blind over the guide rail in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish to the blind, the corner unit comprising formations, which co-operate with the formations on the bottom of the guide rail, to releasably hold the corner unit on the guide rail.
47. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 46 having a hollow bottom rail, which is attached to the guide rail.
48. A blind as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 47 having a lockable bottom plate, which is attachable to the bottom rail, and which is screw-fixed to a fixed surface.
49. A blind as claimed in claim 48, wherein the means of attachment of the bottom rail to the lockable bottom plate is a slot on the lockable bottom plate, with which a pivotable notched member may co-operate.
50. A blind as claimed in claim 47,48 or 49 further including at least one wire guide, whereby a wire guide slots into each end of the hollow bottom rail.
51. A blind as claimed in claim 50, wherein the wire guide comprises at least one hole through which the wires of the blind passes, to enable a user to access the wires in order to adjust the laths of the blind as required.
52. A blind substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings